The United Churches of Olympia has a church council, eight ministries, and a number of boards, committees and other groups. All are assigned specific tasks and work with the staff and the congregation to fulfill the ministry and mission of the church.
Council
When: Second Thursday, 7 pm
Where: Fireside room
Moderator: Cynthia Cook
One representative from each Ministry attends the Council meeting, and issues affecting our church are discussed. Our Church Council is the coordinating and policy-making body of the church.
It is headed by a Council Moderator, elected by a vote of the congregation. Council members are made up of one representative from each of our eight ministries, our pastor and representatives of both denominations.
All are welcome at our council meetings.
Administration Ministry
Mark Hunter, Chair
When: First Wednesday, 6 pm
Where: Room 106
The purpose of the Administration Ministry is to provide in behalf of the Council and under the Council’s direction, for the administrative oversight of the business affairs of the church. The shall include the “support functions” necessary for the conduct of church programs –such as maintenance of properties, finances and budget.
Christian Education Ministry
Julie Clark, Chair
When: First Thursday, 6 pm
Where: Room 106
The Christian Education Ministry (CE) focuses on the educational needs of The United Churches of Olympia by facilitating growth in the areas of spiritual practice, theological reflection, practical living, Biblical content, and ethics and justice.
Don Ulrich and Rod Cate coordinate the Adult Education Programs
Congregational Life
Janet Sears and Sandee Sennes Co-chairs
When: First Tuesday, 5:00 pm
Where: Fireside Room
The purpose of the Congregational Life Ministry (CLM) is to coordinate various activities and programs involving members’ families and friends. We do this by welcoming newcomers and visitors, encouraging and helping them toward membership, by reaching out to individuals and families who might be attracted to our church, by
fostering church family unity, and by encouraging everyone to take a more active part in the church. In these ways we develop as stronger sense of community and strengthen family life.
Mission, Peace and Justice Ministry
Caren Rose, Chair
When: Second Tuesday, 6:30 pm
Where: Library
The purpose of Mission, Peace and Justice (MPJ) is to help the congregation understand and participate in local, regional, national, and world mission activities. This includes recommending budget and other opportunities for financial support of mission goals, as well as providing study options. MPJ also fosters ecumenical relations between our church and other area faith communities and social service groups.
Personnel Ministry
Mike Segawa, Chair
When: First Wednesday, 6 pm
Where: Room 106
The purpose of the Personnel Ministry is to interpret and administer the Personnel Policy on behalf of the Council and under the direction of the Council. This will include developing and reviewing staff position descriptions, annually reviewing staff performance and compensation, recruiting non-called staff, promoting professional development of staff, and managing staff/staff grievances and staff/congregation complaints.
Stewardship Ministry
Deborah Reynolds, Chair
When: Fourth Wednesday, 6 pm
Where: Fireside Room
The purpose of the Stewardship Ministry is to oversee and coordinate activities related to the fundraising and other stewardship aspects of the church. The Ministry plans, conducts, and evaluates the yearly stewardship enlistment campaign.
In addition, they oversee the development and maintenance of Gifts, Memorials, Wills, and Endowment programs, as well as serve as “coordinator” for all special fund-raising efforts. This involves ongoing work with pastors, staff, and other Ministries to insure there is education and interpretation of the meaning of Christian education and a year-round stewardship program.
Theology, the Natural Sciences, and the Continuing Creation Ministry (TNSCC )
On Hiatus right now
When: First Thursday, 7 pm
Where: Room 106
The purpose of TNSCC is to help the congregation gain a greater understanding of the relevance of scientific findings to the traditions, beliefs, and practices of persons of faith. We do this by providing information to pastors, church leaders, members, and the larger community about areas in which theology, the natural sciences, and technological advances may have an impact on the church’s mission and lives of participants. Please visit our Ecology and Science page for more discussion about what we do.
Worship Ministry
Pat Sonnenstuhl, Chair
When: First Thursday, 5:30 pm
Where: Fireside Room
Our purpose is to give overall guidance, under the direction of the Council and pastor, to the worship life of the congregation –including an understanding and appreciation of the theological and liturgical traditions from which our “ways of worship” spring, the Reformed tradition.
Pastoral Relations Committee
The committee consists of: Kirsten Tollefson-York, John Bowden, Char McMullen, Joe Arnett, Jinny Beekmann, and Susan Yarrow-Morris.
Presbyterian Clerk
Bunny Hooper
The Presbyterian Clerk is responsible for taking minutes at our meetings, and is involved in decision making.
UCC Moderator
The UCC moderator represents the UCC congregation on the Church council and at UCC conference activities. The moderator encourages TUCO UCC members to stay in touch with the conference and the denomination, convenes and moderates the UCC congregational meetings usually held on the 5 th Thursday of the month, and coordinates with the UCC Clerk. When there is a UCC pastor at TUCO, the moderator would be available to convene and/or serve on the Pastoral Relations committee.